Leiden Painting and Drawing Society Ars Aemula Naturae

Ars Aemula Naturae, or De Kunst Competing With Nature, is an artists' association that was founded with the aim of helping visual artists develop in their profession. Founded as the Leiden Drawing Academy in 1694, Ars Aemula Naturae aims to spread the knowledge of visual arts in and around Leiden. These are still the goals Ars Aemula Naturae pursues today. In 1799 the Leiden Drawing Academy changed into Ars Aemula Naturae. The association has about 90 members. At least 12 exhibitions of members and non-members are held annually in the association's own gallery.